A New Era: Part II

ByzantineCaesar · Sep 16, 2019

Texan said:
Greetings Great Emperor,

I write to you of a matter of importance. I lack a clear heir, and being without a wife, finding one has become of great importance for the continuation of the dynasty. As such as I write to you, seeking a royal bride from amongst your imperial dynasty. It should improve the ties of our two lands, and better improve relations. Such is important as we continue the fight against the Turks.

Fruzhin, Tsar of Bulgaria

To the noble lord Fruzhin, our desired spiritual son, Emperor of the Most Christian Nation of the Bulgarians
From Manuel and Helena, in Christ faithful Emperors and Autocrats of the Romans, Christ-loving Despots and Great Augusti faithful to God

Word of your quest for a noble and virtuous wife has reached the City. After consulting with your noble and pious brother the Ecumenical Patriarch, we have decided to offer you, oh great and noble lord, the hand of our eldest daughter Theodora in marriage. She is a princess born in the purple, a woman grown and widowed, although she still remains pure. We would be well pleased and honored to welcome you into our imperial family as our son, and offer you the high dignity of Despot and a dowry in hyperpera as our wedding gifts.

Texan · Sep 16, 2019

DanMan said:
To: Kingdom of Naples @Texan
From: Kingdom of Aragon

It is the opinion of Aragon that our interests in the Mediterranean align and that cooperation between our kingdoms would be beneficial to both of our nations. Therefore, Aragon proposes that we form an alliance.

To the King of Aragon,

I have heard your proposal and I have considered it. Advice was also sought with the royal advisors. It is our decision that in order for an alliance to occur, territories in dispute between our kingdoms must be settled first.

Joanna II, Queen of Naples

ByzantineCaesar said:
To the noble lord Fruzhin, our desired spiritual son, Emperor of the Most Christian Nation of the Bulgarians
From Manuel and Helena, in Christ faithful Emperors and Autocrats of the Romans, Christ-loving Despots and Great Augusti faithful to God

Word of your quest for a noble and virtuous wife has reached the City. After consulting with your noble and pious brother the Ecumenical Patriarch, we have decided to offer you, oh great and noble lord, the hand of our eldest daughter Theodora in marriage. She is a princess born in the purple, a woman grown and widowed, although she still remains pure. We would be well pleased and honored to welcome you into our imperial family as our son, and offer you the high dignity of Despot and a dowry in hyperpera as our wedding gifts.

To Manuel and Helena, Emperors and Autocrats of the Romans,

It is good news, and marriage with your daughter Theodora is accepted. The honors which you bestow are appreciated and also accepted. Let this bring about a new era of cooperation and peace between our empires.

Fruzhin, Tsar of Bulgaria

ByzantineCaesar · Sep 16, 2019

Texan said:
To Manuel and Helena, Emperors and Autocrats of the Romans,

It is good news, and marriage with your daughter Theodora is accepted. The honors which you bestow are appreciated and also accepted. Let this bring about a new era of cooperation and peace between our empires.

Fruzhin, Tsar of Bulgaria

The Christians of the world shall rejoice at this union. We invite you to Constantinople to take Lady Theodora as your wedded wife and Empress.

EmperorCasey · Sep 16, 2019

From: Emperor Alexios IV
To: Emperor Manuell II @ByzantineCaesar

Greetings. We have both progressed a long way from where we stood in years past. The Crusaders fragmented our empire and allowed the Ottomans to steal the pieces. We have not clawed our way back and fought them, risking war against the Timurids, the heathens, to allow that to happen again. We have had our disagreements in the past and will continue to in the future, it is the nature of things. However we know that cooperation is better than quarreling like children. Threats are on every shore and if we hope to survive to argue again we must work together.

ByzantineCaesar · Sep 16, 2019

EmperorCasey said:
From: Emperor Alexios IV
To: Emperor Manuell II @ByzantineCaesar

Greetings. We have both progressed a long way from where we stood in years past. The Crusaders fragmented our empire and allowed the Ottomans to steal the pieces. We have not clawed our way back and fought them, risking war against the Timurids, the heathens, to allow that to happen again. We have had our disagreements in the past and will continue to in the future, it is the nature of things. However we know that cooperation is better than quarreling like children. Threats are on every shore and if we hope to survive to argue again we must work together.

To the distinguished lord Alexios of the Great Komnenoi, our friend and desired spiritual son, Prince and Despot of the Iberians, of the Perateia and All the East

From Manuel and Helene, in Christ-God faithful Emperors and Autocrats of the Romans

Your words were heard and heeded at the City of Constantine, and we applaud you and commend you, noble lord. The Emperor of the Romans shall always consider every true Roman his friend and ally, as it is our God-given duty and mission. Your efforts and exploits in the Euxine Sea, Chaldia and Paphlagonia are worthy of the great Ulysses himself, and it is well known you rule as wisely and piously as King David of Israel did before us. Trebizond may always look to Constantinople for every need, political and spiritual, and, above all, for friendship and kinship, for we are Romans and Hellenes and we have stood the test of time together and avoided the dark depths of oblivion by the grace and for the glory of Our Lord God.

With the defeat of the Turk it is our wish to reestablish trade and commerce between Constantinople and the Pontus. Our city calls for the fine goods of Iberia, and the Valley of Lamentations must once again receive slaves from the Perateia for the prosperity of all Romans. Neither must our friendship end with mere coin, for while we rule over traders and must stand for their demands, we are not traders ourselves. Nay, we are princes of the Polity of the Romans, and both of our ancestors were its custodians in the past. We would like to see our families re-joined once more. Our purple-born son, Konstantinos, the Despot of Nicaea, shall have need of a bride when he comes of age. We would welcome Maria Megale Komnene into our imperial household when the time comes, for the glory of God and the Polity of the Romans.

King Saul · Sep 16, 2019

DanMan said:
To: Kingdom of Castile @King Saul
From: Kingdom of Aragon

I formally propose that a betrothal between my daughter, Infanta Maria of Aragon and yourself, King Alfonso of Castile be established in the interest of cooperation and friendship between our Iberian nations

To: Kingdom of Aragon @DanMan
From: Kingdom of Castile

The Kingdom of Castile accepts with honor this marriage proposal in the name of greater cooperation and friendship between our Kingdoms in the future.

Texan · Sep 17, 2019

Zeller said:
To: Pope Martin V

Your Holiness,

I am seeking your support in the coming election of the next Holy Roman Emperor.
I've held the best interests of the Church at heart as I spearheaded the expulsion of the Ottoman Empire from Europe, thus bringing great glory to our Lord and paving the way to peaceful conversions throughout the Balkans. I would also endeavor to ensure that affairs of the Empire won't go contrary to the wishes of your Highness. For that, I need the support of the ecclesiastical electors.

Cordially,
King Sigismund of Luxembourg

Albert III, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg, Elector of Saxony

Noble Duke,

I wish to reaffirm the benevolent relationship between our realms and persons. It has been brought to my attention that you are facing some rebellious attitudes. Let me assure you that in case I get elected as the new Holy Roman Emperor, I will take it as a personal priority to make sure such attitudes are well contained in your duchy. Let us work toward this common goal together!

Cordially,
King Sigismund of Luxembourg

To: Sigismund of Luxembourg, King of Hungary and of Croatia, Elector of Brandenburg

Noble King of Hungary,

His Holiness Pope Martin V sends his greetings to your royal highness, to the members of the House of Luxembourg, and to the people of your lands. He has heard your request, and it is with great respect that he must inform you that while recognizing your contributions to Europe and to the Church, he cannot interfere with the politics of the empire. However, know that if you are elected, then His Holiness will crown you as emperor in Rome.

Jean de Brogny, Vice Chancellor of the Church

----------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Sigismund of Luxembourg, King of Hungary and Elector of Brandenberg

King Sigismund,

It is with great pleasure that your letter arrived. Your words are well met, and it is good to know Saxony still has a friend and ally in the House of Luxembourg. You shall have my full support in the upcoming election.

Albert III, Elector of Saxony

Zeller · Sep 17, 2019

To: Otto von Ziegenhain, Archbishop-Elector of Trier @Texan

Pious Archbishop,

I wish to reaffirm friendship between our dynasties and realms. I would like to request your vote on the coming election. My reign as Holy Roman Emperor will undoubtedly be most beneficial to your house and to the bishops of the empire. You might want to persuade your fellow ecclesiastical electors that I hold the best interests of the Church adn the dioceses at heart.

Cordially,
King Sigismund

Texan · Sep 17, 2019

The Consistory of 1420

Pope Martin V had only held 2 consistories before, and each occasion only elevating a few members of the clergy to the College of Cardinals. Having been convinced by members of the Roman Curia that more members were needed, as there were currently only 8 cardinals, Pope Martin convened the College of Cardinals to hold a consistory.

After much consideration, he would elevate 12 men to the rank of cardinal.
Niccolò Albergati, a member of the Carthusians and Bishop of Bologna.
Gabriele Condulmer, Papal Legate in Ancona.
Jean de Brogny, Vice Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church.
Louis d'Harcourt, Archbishop of Rouen.
Louis Aleman, also appointed as Papal Legate in Avignon.
Jean de Thoisy, Bishop of Tournai.
Domingo Ram y Lanaja, also appointed as Papal Nuncio in Naples.
Felipe de Vizcaya, appointed as Cardinal Protector of the Knights Hospitaller.
William Gordon, Archbishop of Dublin.
Otto von Ziegenhain, Archbishop of Trier.
Jean d'Evreux, Archbishop of Corinth.
Hugh de Lusignan, Archbishop of Nicosia.

All of these appointments would be effective immediately. Also during the gathering of the College of Cardinals, Pope Martin announced plans to begin work on gathering a council where representatives from the Latin and Greek churches will gather and discuss their differences. It is expected such a council to be held in the following year, depending on the participation of the Orthodox clergy.

KingOfPenguins · Sep 17, 2019

Texan said:
The Consistory of 1420

Pope Martin V had only held 2 consistories before, and each occasion only elevating a few members of the clergy to the College of Cardinals. Having been convinced by members of the Roman Curia that more members were needed, as there were currently only 8 cardinals, Pope Martin convened the College of Cardinals to hold a consistory.

After much consideration, he would elevate 12 men to the rank of cardinal.
Niccolò Albergati, a member of the Carthusians and Bishop of Bologna.
Gabriele Condulmer, Papal Legate in Ancona.
Jean de Brogny, Vice Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church.
Louis d'Harcourt, Archbishop of Rouen.
Louis Aleman, also appointed as Papal Legate in Avignon.
Jean de Thoisy, Bishop of Tournai.
Domingo Ram y Lanaja, also appointed as Papal Nuncio in Naples.
Felipe de Vizcaya, appointed as Cardinal Protector of the Knights Hospitaller.
William Gordon, Archbishop of Dublin.
Otto von Ziegenhain, Archbishop of Trier.
Jean d'Evreux, Archbishop of Corinth.
Hugh de Lusignan, Archbishop of Nicosia.

All of these appointments would be effective immediately. Also during the gathering of the College of Cardinals, Pope Martin announced plans to begin work on gathering a council where representatives from the Latin and Greek churches will gather and discuss their differences. It is expected such a council to be held in the following year, depending on the participation of the Orthodox clergy.

We congratulate the Cardinals upon their promotion, and thank them for their tireless work in the name of Christ

From;
Constantine,
Elector of Bavaria

Texan · Sep 17, 2019

The Imperial Election

The various electors of the Holy Roman Empire, along with various other nobles and members of the clergy, made their way to Frankfurt where the next emperor would be selected.

Going into the election, it was clear there were three leading contenders. Those being, King Sigismund of Hungary and Croatia, and Elector of Brandenburg; Elector Constantine of Bavaria-Straubing; and King Wenceslaus V of Bohemia.

The general mood amongst the vast nobility of the Holy Roman Empire had changed only slightly since the death of Emperor Wenceslaus. A majority of the prince's of the northern part of the empire favored King Sigismund of Hungary. Many of the abbots and independent Prince-Bishops likewise had a favorable view towards Sigismund.

Meanwhile, much of the Rhineland, along with a majority of southern German prince's largely favored Elector Constantine to be the next emperor.

Wenceslaus, however, had only the support of those directly tied to Bohemia.

Ultimately, it was the seven electors whose opinions really mattered. Three of which were themselves working towards their own election to the imperial throne. While a fourth, Elector Albert III of Saxony, had already declared his support for King Sigismund. The Archbishop-Elector of Trier likewise would make his support for Constantine known soon after the electors had gathered in Frankfurt. This would leave the deciding vote with the two Archbishop-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. All attention within the empire was placed on Frankfurt for what would seem to be the a very important imperial election.

@Zeller @KingOfPenguins @Adamgerd @KnightofTempest @Harpsichord

Zeller · Sep 17, 2019

Texan said:
To: King Sigismund of Hungary @Zeller

I seek a royal bride from amongst the Royal House of Luxembourg, or if not available from one of the higher noble houses in the Kingdom's of Hungary or Croatia. Having an heir would secure my hold on the throne, and would further continue the strong ties between our kingdoms.

Stephen Ostojic, King of Bosnia

Noble King,

We can certainly arrange such a marriage to consolidate your rule and improve relationships between our realms. But first, I would like you to transfer the vassalage of Republic of Raguse directly under the Crown of Saint Stephen.

Cordially,
Sigismund of Luxembourg, King of Hungary

KingOfPenguins · Sep 17, 2019

The Electoral Branch of the House of Wittelsbach;

Albert I, Duke of Bavaria, Count of Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut (1336-1400) m. Margaret of Brieg (1342-1386)
- William I, Elector of Bavaria, Count of Holland, Burgundy, and Zeeland (1365-1412) m. Margaret of Burgundy (1374-1406)
  - Constantine I, Elector of Bavaria, Count of Holland, Burgundy, and Zeeland (1398- ) m. Eleanor of Castile (1402- )
  - Jacqueline of Bavaria (1401- ) m. Charles, Prince of Viana (1397- )
    - Phillip of Navarre (1419- )
  - Louise of Bavaria (1402- )
- John of Bavaria, Prince-Bishop of Liege (1374- )
  - Three illegitimate sons; John, Samuel, and Albert, by his mistress; Katharine of Ans (1379-)

Zeller · Sep 17, 2019

To: Wenceslaus V, King of Bohemia, @Adamgerd

SECRET
Noble King,

Your father was not only an exceptional man and a worthy Emperor, but also my half-brother and guardian. Unfortunately, you don't seem to possess the support he managed to muster. Cast your vote on me in the coming election and I will personally look after the interests of Bohemia and your person, so that I can repay my debt to your father.
I would also wish to assure you that regardless of the result of the election, the relations between Bohemia and Hungary will remain friendly.

Cordially,
King Sigismund

To: Conrad III of Dhaun, Archbishop and Prince-elector of Mainz @Texan

SECRET
Pious Archbishop,

Should you cast your vote on me in the coming election, I will provide you with the necessary resources to end the conflict with Hesse in your favor.

Cordially,
King Sigismund

To: Dietrich II. von Moers, Archbishop-Elector of Cologne @Texan

SECRET
Pious Archbishop,

Should you cast your vote on me in the coming election, I will provide you with the necessary resources to end the conflict with the Duke of Cleves in your favor.

Cordially,
King Sigismund

Muskeato · Sep 17, 2019

Sigismund of Luxembourg, King of Hungary and Croatia @Zeller

Your Most Gracious Majesty,
The German Order has adminstered successfully the Neumark these past twenty years. Given its importance to our own lines of supply and communication, and its lack of import to yourself and your demense, I would seek to enter negotiations by which the full ownership of the Neumark may pass to the Order.

~ Heinrich von Plauen, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order

EmperorCasey · Sep 17, 2019

EmperorCasey said:
From: Emperor Alexios IV
To: Timurid Empire @Texan
Private

We would like to inquire as to your opinion and relationship with the Kingdom of Georgia. We know that you have waged war against them in the past but what is your opinion of them as of late?

OOC: Just reposting for @Texan

ByzantineCaesar said:
To the distinguished lord Alexios of the Great Komnenoi, our friend and desired spiritual son, Prince and Despot of the Iberians, of the Perateia and All the East

From Manuel and Helene, in Christ-God faithful Emperors and Autocrats of the Romans

Your words were heard and heeded at the City of Constantine, and we applaud you and commend you, noble lord. The Emperor of the Romans shall always consider every true Roman his friend and ally, as it is our God-given duty and mission. Your efforts and exploits in the Euxine Sea, Chaldia and Paphlagonia are worthy of the great Ulysses himself, and it is well known you rule as wisely and piously as King David of Israel did before us. Trebizond may always look to Constantinople for every need, political and spiritual, and, above all, for friendship and kinship, for we are Romans and Hellenes and we have stood the test of time together and avoided the dark depths of oblivion by the grace and for the glory of Our Lord God.

With the defeat of the Turk it is our wish to reestablish trade and commerce between Constantinople and the Pontus. Our city calls for the fine goods of Iberia, and the Valley of Lamentations must once again receive slaves from the Perateia for the prosperity of all Romans. Neither must our friendship end with mere coin, for while we rule over traders and must stand for their demands, we are not traders ourselves. Nay, we are princes of the Polity of the Romans, and both of our ancestors were its custodians in the past. We would like to see our families re-joined once more. Our purple-born son, Konstantinos, the Despot of Nicaea, shall have need of a bride when he comes of age. We would welcome Maria Megale Komnene into our imperial household when the time comes, for the glory of God and the Polity of the Romans.

We would be honored to accept this arrangement. Maria has been brought up in the imperial court as is tradition. You will find no better bride for Konstantinos than her. One day we hope to be able to travel to visit the holy city without the rigors of sea travel. May this be a new period of friendship and bonding between brothers.

Muskeato · Sep 17, 2019

Your Holiness, @Texan

I would ask you to consider the founding of a Diocese of Danzig Pommern as a suffragan diocese to the Archbishopric of Riga. The region currently falls within the ecclesiastical province of Kujawy. By all means the Bishopric of Kujawy is well-administered and its lord a wise and reasonable man, yet temporal matters make the situation a curious one in need of rectification. Danzig Pommern is lawfully under the domain of the Teutonic Order, while spiritually the diocese answers to a Bishop responsible first to the King of Poland and second to yourself. Conversely, the Order answers first and only to your Holiness. It would surely be a rational and wise decision to empower a new Diocese, incorporated to the Order, with which the spiritual needs of Danzig can be met.

~ Johan Abezier, Prince-Bishop of Ermland.

Sneakyflaps · Sep 17, 2019

Royaume de France

Name: The Kingdom of France
Dynasty: Valois
King: Charles VI
Dauphin: Charles
Government: Hereditary Monarchy
Capital: Paris
Religion: Roman Catholicism

King Charles the Mad

The Royal Family

King Charles VI of France:Charles became King of France at the age of 12 in 1380, having lived the majority of his life as the King of France, though rarely having ruled or reigned as his lifetime has been marked by regencies. The first taking part in his youth, being dominated by his royal uncles. While the latter regency would begin followed a burst of madness on the King’s way to Brittany, after which the Duke of Burgundy recently held power with others such as Barry, before His Majesty regained brief moments of clarity as he appointed his younger brother the Duke of Orleans as regent. Follow the Bal des Ardents, the King’s mind grew worse until he now spends most of the time confined and tended to within his royal palaces, believing himself to be made of glass. His reign has seen the English expelled from the French shores, while enlarging the royal domains, yet much has fallen into a state of disrepair as the King’s mind prevented him from rule and the Duke of Orleans squandered his early popularity.
- Princess Isabella of France: Originally married to Richard II of England despite the great age difference between the two. King Richard was then deposed prior to the consummation of the marriage by Henry IV at which point Isabella returned to France. She later married King Martin II of Aragon, becoming Queen and carrying him two children.
- Princess Jeanne of France: Married off young to Duke John V of Brittany, her marriage playing a vital role in securing the duchy by tying it to the French Crown rather than that of the English during the late stages of the wars.
- Princess Marie: Never married, spending her life attending to her father after having taken on the vows of a nun.
- Princess Michelle: The second youngest of the daughters of the King, Michelle was married to the eldest son of the Duke of Luxembourg, the cadet branch of the family formerly known as the Dukes of Burgundy.
- Princess Catherine: The only daughter left unmarried, 19 years of age and close with her younger brother, the Dauphin.
- Charles, Dauphin of France: The heir apparent to the French throne, the Dauphin of France. The youngest of several sons which were born to King Charles, yet the only one who still remains alive. The leading force of protest in the Kingdom as the Dauphin has taken up charge against that of his uncle, the duke of Orleans. The young Prince seeing his uncle’s large spending habits which the royal treasury has often supplemented, as an affront to his father, the King. Seeing his uncle has having run the state to near despair with lackeys, favorites and corruption which has led to great conflict between the future King and that of one of the leading noblemen within the Kingdom. Only further enforced by the Dauphin having finally reached the age of majority within the last year, now nearing 17 years of age thus coming into his own properties of the Duaphinate, no longer being financially dependent on Orleans.

KnightofTempest · Sep 17, 2019

From: Luxembourgish Explorers
To: Mali Empire @Texan

Greetings! We would like to open trade with your empire! Since Mansa Musa made pilgramage to the Holy Land, Europe has been fascinated with the Riches of the Mali.

We have fine Brocades, Lace, Broadcloth, Metalwork, and other manufactures to trade in exchange for Gold, Ivory, and Sugar.

Confidential

We are also willing to trade certain pieces of artillery in exchange for a Trade Post on the cost from which to sustain trade. What would you say to that?

KnightofTempest · Sep 17, 2019

Luxembourg Event!

Grand Duke John spent much of the past 15 years building up trade and the Navy. The Army has remained largely as it was in 1406 throughout, even as the economy grew.

This is not to be any more, as Grand Duke John has ordered several army reforms. The Invention of the Serpentine Lever in 1411 meant that the old style hand canons were slower to fire than new style Hackbutts. The first step would be to purchase new style Hackbutts for the army and to drill them in their operation.

In addition, the Militia would be drilled as well and a census would be taken of all militia stores to see what equipment the various militias had on hand with an eye to possible improvements.

Finally the artillery will be drilled on targets to take into account advances in siege warfare and an eye to potential uses for culverins against enemy troop formations.

JbeJ275 · Sep 17, 2019

The Italian city states that squabbled and fought over every tiny issue were proud nations. Small enough and wealthy enough for a sense of great civic pride to emerge, the republics and lesser duchies only some times fought with steel, other times fighting with gold, art and prestige to become top dog. Many would have only a few years ago remained sure that Venice held that title, now though Genoa began it’s ascent towards this hallowed spot.

With trading posts from Granada to the Mouth of the Danube and colonies or subjects ruling parts of Anatolia and Crimea, as well as friendship with the other members of the eastern coalition Genoa had risen to dominate the Eastern Mediterranean routes, and remain fiercely competitive in the west. This trade wealth flowed into Genoan coffers and then onwards to fine works of art, immensely grand temples and a hugely expanded series of ports and docks on the city itself. While rouge mercenaries had attacked in the east thier captains could be bought out, or failing that trusted lieutenants would find vialsmof poison and pouches of silver,

Perhaps the most interesting effect of this vast influx of wealth was a number of families having enough that lending it to foreign lords, or other Italian families became an easy way to make a profit. Perhaps a few more years were needed before they could truly have the great banks set up but already they had a great number of powerful men either in their debt, or seeking a chance to be.

Texan · Sep 17, 2019

KnightofTempest said:
From: Luxembourgish Explorers
To: Mali Empire @Texan

Greetings! We would like to open trade with your empire! Since Mansa Musa made pilgramage to the Holy Land, Europe has been fascinated with the Riches of the Mali.

We have fine Brocades, Lace, Broadcloth, Metalwork, and other manufactures to trade in exchange for Gold, Ivory, and Sugar.

Confidential

We are also willing to trade certain pieces of artillery in exchange for a Trade Post on the cost from which to sustain trade. What would you say to that?

The expedition of a lone ship along the West Coast of Africa was a dangerous one, but still it went until finding the mouth of a river noted by a previous Portuguese expedition several years before. A short distance along the river, the explorers were encountered by a group of warriors. What happened next would be an important account of European contact with the Mali Empire. Although never approaching the Mali capital of Niani, their diplomacy was given a response and after exchanges were made, were sent on their way.

From: Mali Empire

Greetings foreigners. Years before, other foreigners of fair skin attempted to conduct trade with our people, but were driven away from our lands. Now, we accept your tributes in order to conduct some trade.

Secret

We cannot allow you to take any of our land. However, we shall pay you in gold for such weapons for we are at war with tribes to our south. If you return again with more goods to trade, then we shall furnish more goods in return.

EmperorCasey · Sep 17, 2019

From: Emperor Alexios IV
To: Kingdom of Georgia @Texan
Confidential

After years of peace with the Timurids we wish to keep it. However our struggle against the heathens is far from over. There is a possible opportunity to be utilized in Anatolia. There are a number of beyliks that the Timurids would love to see eradicated. I propose a joint effort to gain from that situation. We do not have to fear antagonizing the Timurids and we can deal another blow to the Turks. In exchange for your assistance I would offer my youngest daughter Julia to your youngest prince. She is but a child now but when she comes of age she will be a fine wife and a gesture of our friendship.

From: Esteemed and honorable Alexios IV
To: Emperor Manuel III @ByzantineCaesar
Confidential

Brothers we have viewed an opportunity to further weaken the Turks in eastern Anatolia. While we do not ask or expect you to participate we would ask that you aid us with your diplomatic leverage to acquire mercenaries and volunteers from the region that may be more willing to fight.

From: Emperor Alexios IV
To: Papal States
Confidential

Christian brothers. As history has shown when christians band together we can achieve a great many things. We have perceived a weakness in the Turks inside eastern Anatolia. They are divided thanks to our victory against them years ago. My father proudly served in campaigns against the Turks while fighters waged war in Greece and Macedonia. Your holy warriors and knights and other brave volunteers served well in the previous wars and we wish to ask for assistance with this fight. Through your influence we may secure forces needed to defeat the heathens further, weakening them.

KnightofTempest · Sep 17, 2019

Texan said:
The expedition of a lone ship along the West Coast of Africa was a dangerous one, but still it went until finding the mouth of a river noted by a previous Portuguese expedition several years before. A short distance along the river, the explorers were encountered by a group of warriors. What happened next would be an important account of European contact with the Mali Empire. Although never approaching the Mali capital of Niani, their diplomacy was given a response and after exchanges were made, were sent on their way.

From: Mali Empire

Greetings foreigners. Years before, other foreigners of fair skin attempted to conduct trade with our people, but were driven away from our lands. Now, we accept your tributes in order to conduct some trade.

Secret

We cannot allow you to take any of our land. However, we shall pay you in gold for such weapons for we are at war with tribes to our south. If you return again with more goods to trade, then we shall furnish more goods in return.

We will be happy to return with more trade goods and look forwards to the forging of a new trade route.

Confidential

We would be happy to facilitate such a trade.

Would it be possible for us to instead rent land in an accessable port to build a warehouse and other neccesities for a fee?

Sneakyflaps · Sep 17, 2019

A Union of Ambition

As spring turned to summer in the year of our Lord 1420, the first open attack upon the regency of the Duke of Orleans in over a decade would present itself. Not in the illustrious court which the Duke maintained at the Louvre, but as far away from the Royal court as one could possibly get, in the province of Provence. It was here which the Dauphin had traveled from his own court to that of the house of Anjou, among the largest and most prominent landowners in France and abroad, that ambition and love would mingle.

The Royal Dukes of Anjou were one of the cadet branches of the Royal house of Valois, similar in fashion to those of Burgundy now known as Luxembourg. Even taking precedence over the house of Burgundy within the Crown of France, as the house of Anjou descended from the second son of King John II who were captured at Portiers. Like many others of the closer relatives, they had been pushed out of power by Orleans a near two decades ago, at the time with relative ease. They had little desire to fight the regent at the time, especially after other prominent nobles such as the Duke of Berry and Burgundy had been set aside by the king. Rather they had hoped to ally with Orleans, a desire which only grew following the expulsion of the English from the French shore. A desire which would go unfulfilled, and as it went unfulfilled, so did the ambitions of the house of Anjou to reclaim the Kingdom of Naples as it’s rightful heirs which had been deposed.

Left to simmer on the side, the Dukes of Anjou adjusted, biding their time as the Dowager Duchess, Yolande of Aragon in particular formed a close bond with the youngest son of the King, Charles. In many ways the duchess became a second mother, one who often quarreled with the Queen, the Prince’s actual mother and fueled several rumors of the Queen’s infidelity towards the King with the Duke of Orleans later on in the regency. Yet despite the attacks upon the Queen by the Duchess, the Prince and Yolande were able to overcome in large part as she gave the support to the young royal which her own mother was unable. That of open support against Orleans, in manner of both the Prince’s royal education and supplying him with funds whenever Orleans refused to open the purse-strings of the royal treasury for the needs of the young Charles.

Yolande of Aragon, Dowager Duchess of Anjou and motherly figure to the Dauphin

It was an investment that turned bright as fortune and opportunity came to the house of Anjou in 1515, as news arrived that Louis, Dauphin of France had fallen ill in Lyon and not long after died. Resulting in his brother John to become Dauphin, only to die two years later from a head injury at which point Prince Charles became the heir apparent. The very seed that Yolande had planted and tended to this many years had begun to sprout as Charles began to assert himself much to Orleans displeasure against both the Elector of Bavaria and Prince of Orange. Two men who Orleans had hoped would rather put the Dauphin in his place, preventing Orleans from needing to take personal charge of the matters. All of this, joined with the ageing Queen Joanna of Naples, now clear that she would have no offspring, meant that the time to cement their stake was at hand.

The Dowager Duchess thus made sure that all matters were attended to as the young Dauphin was treated as befit his father, rather than that of himself. Feasted and treasured within the halls of Marseilles as talks continued late into the evenings while the Dauphin and Marie of Anjou were said to spend much time with one another under the watchful eyes of the courtiers, at the behest of Marie’s mother Yolande. In the end, a marriage would be conducted in the Cathedral by Jean-Allarmet de Brogny, French Cardinal and Archbishop of Arles who wed the Dauphin to Marie after having negotiated a favourable marriage contract between the two royal houses. One that would see Anjou in the good graces of the future King, both within France and support for their claim to Naples. While Charles in return received a vest interest, for by marriage contract him and his heirs would be the sole inheritors of the Anjou lands, titles and claims should the male heirs of the late Louis II of Anjou and his house disease while also gaining immediate support against his uncle. An uncle who upon receiving the word of what had transpired, summoned to young couple to Court.

A New Era: Part II

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